Dawkins plays, Miller dominates in Pro Bowl

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89), of the NFC, gets pulled down by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) gives chase during the third quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

The Denver Broncos were well-represented at the 2012 Pro Bowl in Honolulu Sunday, both in quantity of players and quality of play.

Little about the game itself actually matters, but the fact that Brian Dawkins, who was sidelined for the last six games of the Broncos’ 2011 season (including both playoff games), was able to play made it worth the watch for hardcore Broncos fans. It’s possible that that was the 38-year-old Dawkins’ last appearance in an NFL uniform.

Meanwhile, rookie Von Miller made a strong statement in his Pro Bowl debut. The #2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft sacked #1 overall pick Cam Newton twice on Sunday while leading all defensive players with eight tackles. One can only hope Miller can mirror his performance when the plays matter against the Carolina Panthers in 2012.

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, cornerback Champ Bailey, offensive tackle Ryan Clady, and running back Willis McGahee rounded out the six Broncos representatives at the Pro Bowl, the most for the franchise since 2001.